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Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to our latest issue, which focuses on the theme of "Convention Stories". In this issue, we delve into the power of storytelling and how it can benefit teacher educators and teachers alike.
As educators, we know that stories have the ability to captivate and inspire. They can help us connect with others and make sense of our experiences. In this issue, we feature stories from the TESOL Convention attendees who share their unique experiences and insights. The TESOL Convention, as a professional forum, provides a unique opportunity for language educators to share their stories, insights, and experiences with others.
Our issue begins with a letter from Heather Linville, the new Chair of the Teacher Educator Interest Section (TEIS). In her letter, Heather shares three different stories involving TEIS professionally. Her reflections offer valuable insights into the work that the TEIS is doing and how it is impacting the field of language teaching and learning.
We also feature notes from Aviva Ueno and Andy Curtis for presenters who intend to present at the TESOL Convention. Their reflections are based on their own experiences at TESOL 2023 and offer valuable insights for anyone planning to present in the future.
Drew S. Fagan's reflection on how he expanded his community of "collaborators learning" at the TESOL Convention offers a refreshing perspective on how conventions can help educators build professional relationships and networks. His story highlights the importance of collaboration and learning from others in the field.
In her article, Ilka Kostka shares her reasons for attending the TESOL Convention. She discusses how the convention offers a unique opportunity for educators to connect with others, learn about new developments in the field, and gain inspiration and motivation to continue their work.
Additionally, Samir Omara shares his engaging stories with TESOL International Association and the TESOL Convention. He discusses his involvement with TESOL and how it has impacted his professional growth and development. His story offers valuable insights into the benefits of being an active member of professional organizations.
We also feature a book review by Zening Yang, who wrote about the book "Language Teacher Agency" by Tao, J., & Gao, X. A. (2021) Cambridge University Press. The review offers a thorough analysis of the book's content and its relevance to language educators. It is a great resource for anyone interested in exploring the concept of agency in language teaching.
Finally, in our "Meet the Committee" section, all members of the Steering Committee of the Teacher Educator Interest Section introduce themselves. The section provides readers with an opportunity to get to know the individuals who are leading the TEIS and learn about their backgrounds, interests, and expertise.
We hope that these Convention Stories inspire and encourage you as you continue to grow as a teacher educator. As always, we welcome your feedback and contributions to the newsletter.
Looking ahead, the Teacher Educator Interest Section Newsletter is excited to continue showcasing the diverse voices and perspectives of educators from all around the world. In the coming year, we plan to feature articles, reflections, and stories from a range of international contributors, highlighting the richness and diversity of the TESOL community. We encourage all educators to share their stories and experiences with us, as we continue to build a space for dialogue, learning, and growth in the field of language teaching and learning.
We are also excited to announce that the next issue of the Teacher Educator Interest Section Newsletter will focus on Second Language Teacher Education in Asia. We are looking for contributions that explore the unique challenges and opportunities facing language educators in this diverse and dynamic region. We invite you to share your insights, experiences, and perspectives with us. Your contributions can help to inform and inspire others in the field, and contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex issues facing language education in Asia.
Please see our Call for submissions for more information. We look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes,
Vu Tran-Thanh
Vu Tran-Thanh is currently an ESRC-funded doctoral researcher at the School of Education, Durham University, UK. Prior to his doctoral studies, he worked as a high school ESOL teacher and teacher trainer in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for nine years. | 
